The Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergency Operations Centre has placed 135 properties between Sitkum Creek and the Crescent Bay area on the North Shore on Evacuation Alert following the report of two wildfires north of Nelson Saturday afternoon.

"Due to weather conditions and the fire’s close proximity to some homes the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is placing this area on Evacuation Alert which will include 135 properties," the RDCK release said.

"The RCMP will be delivering the Evacuation Alert door to door to affected residents and the RDCK will be sending out an Emergency Alert to those who have signed up."

The two wildfires, named Kokanee Creek and now a combined 70 hectares according to the Southeast Fire Centre, were reported Saturday afternoon following lightning in the area.

The Southeast Fire Centre said the Kokanee Creek fire is burning in steep and difficult terrain.

BC Wildfire Service personnel are on site and were supported by airtankers Saturday afternoon.

BC Wildfire Service personnel responded to 14 new lightning-caused wildfires on Aug. 12 throughout Southeast Fire Centre. Most of these wildfires are in high alpine areas and are not immediately threatening any communities or structures.

The public can learn more about the Regional District of Central Kootenay's evacuation alert by calling 250 352-7701 or visiting the district's website: www.rdck.ca

The RDCK EOC will provide further updates as more information becomes available from BC Wildfire.

Lightning strike starts wildfire on North Shore

The wildfire season of 2017 continues to go from bad to worse after a lightning strike started a fire in the Sitkum Creek/Granger Road area on the North Shore of Kootenay Lake.

A reader of The Nelson Daily said he heard a crack this afternoon while boating on Kootenay Lake. A short time later the boater said he said smoke coming from the mountain side above Sitkum Creek/Granger Road area.

Later a large plume of smoke (see photo) was visible from Kootenay Lake.

The Southeast Fire Centre of BC Wildfire Service is aware of the fire and has sent in air anker support in an attempt to get a handle on this fire before is materializes.

Residents on the North Shore will remember in early July of 2015 a fire near Sitkum Creek had the Regional District of Central Kootenay issue an Evacuation Alert to approximately 350 properties in the Duhamel and Sitkum Creek area.